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Fellowships in Dance Preservation and Archives, Summer 2014

The Dance Heritage Coalition (DHC) is delighted to announce the third year of Fellowships in Dance Preservation and Archives for master's degree students in library / information sciences. The DHC's fellowship program gives master's students intensive training and practice in the skills needed to work in dance-related archives and libraries. Funding is supported by a generous grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program.
View the amazing projects by our 2012 & 2013 Fellows by clicking through to their respective blogs. For more information, see the Program Format section below.

pictured: Nena Couch, a conservator at Ohio State University, worked with 2012 fellow Tara Davis

American citizens or permanent residents. Current full- or part-time enrollment in accredited graduate program through (at least) Spring 2014. Members of underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply. Fellows must be available for June, July, and most of August 2014 (approximately 13-14 weeks).

Part 1. Letter of intent to apply, resume, and list of references. Deadline: Tuesday, November 12, 2013. Please send a letter of application, resume, and contact and relationship (e.g. professor, supervisor) information for 3 references as one PDF named "Lastname_Firstname.pdf" to Fellows@danceheritage.org.
Your letter should indicate the basis of your interest in the program and highlight any experience in performing arts or performing arts legacy materials.

Descriptions of likely projects at the host archives are included below. In your letter you may express your preferences for specific assignments or identify where you think a specific project might be a good fit for you. You may indicate more than one project for which you believe you are well suited, but include all preferences or suggestions in one letter. Indicating a preference is not required, but may assist the DHC in making the best match of Fellows to archives.

Part 2. Supplemental materials (e.g., writing samples and work products). Deadline: Tuesday, December 17, 2013. Send the requested information by email attachment to Fellows@danceheritage.org or, if necessary, by mail to the Dance Heritage Coalition, 1111 16th St., NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20036. Applicants no longer under consideration will also be notified in early to mid-December.

Part 3. Interviews with Applicant Finalists. January to mid-February 2014. During January and February, archivists from the program's host archives and DHC staff will conduct interviews of applicant finalists. Candidates selected for interviews must show proof of active enrollment in a master's program and proof of citizenship or permanent residence in the United States.

Fellows will receive $10,000 to offset expenses. Fellow is expected to pay for own housing and travel to the program sites. DHC pays for travel, hotel, and registration for professional conferences such as the ALA meeting. Laptop and other equipment will be provided on loan to Fellows, if needed.

1. Fellows will complete a one week orientation and training targeted to skills needed for working with dance-related materials. Fellows will participate in seminars led by notable dance archivists, and Fellows from previous years will facilitate team activities.
2. Each Fellow will be assigned to a DHC Archive for approximately 6 weeks.
3. Following the DHC Archive assignment, each Fellow will be given a practicum assignment within a smaller archive where the dance collection and its staff will benefit from the Fellow's dance archives expertise. The practicum assignments will last approximately six weeks.
4. Fellows will have opportunities to stay connected through online communication tools, participate in professional conferences, and be mentored for job seeking.

Library of Congress Music Division
In the area of special collections in dance, located in the Music Division of the Library of Congress, there are projects that require arranging, processing, and creating finding aids.
Collections potentially involved:The Alan M. and Sali Ann Kriegsman Collection

Ohio State University, Theatre Research Institute, Columbus
The Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee Theatre Research Institute has a number of dance and movement collections which require arranging and processing, creating finding aids, surveying, scanning, and doing exhibition work. Other projects may be available by the time Fellows are selected.
Collections potentially involved:Ken Rinker CollectionExotic Dance Collection